Trailer Brake Systems Explained: Types, Parts and How They Work
A plain-English guide to trailer brake systems: the five main types, the parts every system shares, and how to pick the right one for your trailer and tow vehicle.
OVER 50 YEARS OF TRAILER BRAKE EXPERTISE
The same OEM‑grade brake systems trailer builders have relied on since the 1970s — now available to order direct.
Factory-Direct
Buy straight from the factory that builds these parts — no distributor markup in between.
Fast Shipping
In-stock parts ship fast directly from our Muskegon, Michigan plant, so your trailer isn't down for long.
Brake Experts On Call
Not sure what you need? Our team knows these systems and will help you spec the right kit.
Shop By Category
Hydraulic Brake Kits
Everything to plumb a surge or actuator-fed hydraulic system — master components, lines, valves, and hardware matched to your axle count and ready to install.
Air Over Hydraulic Kits (Non-ABS)
The same bolt-in air-over-hydraulic stopping power, minus the ABS. A clean, complete kit for single, tandem, and triple-axle trailers that don't need it.
Air Over Hydraulic Kits (ABS)
Complete air-over-hydraulic kits with ABS built in — actuator, lines, valves, and fittings pre-matched so your trailer stops straight, safe, and legal right out of the box.
Straight Air Brake Parts
Core components for full air brake systems — valves, chambers, and fittings built to spec and shipped factory-direct from Muskegon.
Brake Hoses
Hydraulic brake hoses from 14" to 75" in every fitting — male, female, and 90° swivel — cut and ready to bolt in.
Brake Tubing Coils
Bulk coils of brake tubing to cut and bend your own lines. One roll, any length, routed however your build runs.
Brake Tubing - Straight
Pre-cut straight sticks in the sizes you run — clean ends, ready to flare, bend, and route without wrestling a coil.
Air-Over-Hydraulic Brake Kits
More stopping power on tap — 1000 and 1500 PSI air-over-hydraulic boosters that let your air system drive your trailer's hydraulic brakes.
Tools & Flaring Kits
Everything to cut, bend, flare, and finish your own brake lines: tube cutters, benders, deburring tools, flaring tools, and complete pro kits.
Why Buy Direct From Bludot
We build these parts ourselves, so when you order from Bludot you're buying straight from the manufacturer — not a reseller marking them up. That means factory-direct pricing, complete kits matched to your exact axle setup, brake hoses cut to the length you need, and the tools to install them. Whether you're a DIY trailer owner fixing one rig or a fleet shop keeping a yard full on the road, you get the same parts the OEMs trust and the support to install them right.
See How It's Done
Take a look inside our Muskegon plant and see how Bludot builds and kits complete trailer brake systems.
BLUDOT MANUFACTURING
Over 50 Years of Trailer Brake Expertise
Since the 1970s, Bludot has supplied trailer manufacturers, fleets, and repair shops with brake systems built to OEM standards. That same catalog of kits, hoses, fittings, and tools is now available to order direct.
Trailer Brake Resources
Air-Over-Hydraulic Brakes Explained: How the System Works (With Diagram)
How an air-over-hydraulic brake system works, with a labeled diagram. Learn how the actuator converts compressed air into hydraulic braking on a trailer, how it compares to straight air and...
Copper-Nickel vs. Steel Brake Lines: Which Is Better for Your Trailer?
Copper-nickel brake lines are the go-to upgrade when rust is the problem. They don't corrode the way steel does, and you can bend them by hand. They aren't the right...
Not Sure Which Kit Fits Your Trailer?
Tell us your axle count and brake type, and our team will match the right kit and every part to go with it. Contact our brake experts →